In the Studio we develop original new work with supported artists, our Young Company, Elders Company, and cultural partners from across Manchester.

WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS DANCING

is the new production from our award-winning Young Company. Created by The Company and directed by Matt Hassall it marks the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act that began the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 in England and Wales. Following the sell-out successes of THE FACTORY and NOTHING the Young Company make a piece that celebrates the radical individuals that changed our future. Underground at the Exchange from 16 – 20 August.

MOMENTS THAT CHANGED OUR WORLD

see The Elders Company present a World Premiere created by Andrew Barry with the Company. A group of people aged 60-85 stand together and navigate a constantly changing world, from big political events to personal intimate moments, and ask – what can history teach us about who we are and where we are going? The Studio 22 – 25 February.

BIN LADEN: THE ONE MAN SHOW

sees Knaïve Theatre return as Open Exchange Supported Artists. This celebrated international smash-hit, which sold-out last spring, runs from 5-7 September.

TWO MAN SHOW

marks RashDash’s new Associate Artist relationship with the Royal Exchange. This one-off performance of their Fringe-First winning, genre-defying hit show about gender, language and humankind is in the Studio on 23 September.

THE GREATEST PLAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD...

sees Julie Hesmondhalgh returns to the Exchange following her award-winning performance in WIT. A love story set on Preston Road and also in space and in time, is a one -woman show by Ian Kershaw and reunites Julie with UK Theatre Award winning WIT director Raz Shaw as they develop this World Premiere for the Studio from 9 – 12 November.

WOKE

by Testament is presented in association with Little Mighty. The twin juggernauts of Hip-Hop and feminism are on a collision course, and Testament reckons he’s the guy to sort it out. WOKE runs in the Studio from 16-18 November.